subject: Brow Lifts: Preparation, Procedure And Recovery [print this page] A brow lift - sometimes referred to as a forehead lift - is a cosmetic surgery that helps to decrease wrinkles and sagging skin on the forehead, around eyebrows and near the eyelids. This operation can give the face a more awake and rejuvenated look, lifting skin that has become droopy over time.
Brow lifts have become a common cosmetic procedure and are performed in an outpatient environment, lasting only a couple of hours. The healing time varies among patients, but initial recovery averages range anywhere from seven days to two weeks.
What to expect during your consultation and preparation for your brow lift
Consultations are necessary to the success of any cosmetic procedure. They not only give you time to become acquainted and familiar with your surgeon, they allow your doctor the opportunity to examine you and map out your procedure.
You will discuss your desires for receiving the operation, as well as your expectations, and your surgeon will be able to speak with you about the details, scope of the surgery and what you can expect to see with regard to results.
You may be instructed to stop smoking; refrain from Aspirin or other blood thinning medications; receive medical testing prior to your operation; or perform certain tasks the night before your surgery. You will also need to arrange for transportation following your operation.
The procedure and anesthesia
There are different types of brow lifts, and depending upon the type you and your cosmetic surgeon decide is best, you will either be sedated or given general anesthesia.
Some brow lifts are performed with just a few incisions along the hairline while others require a larger incision running from ear to ear. Sutures, staples or advanced adhesives may be used to close the wound depending on its size.
Be sure to ask questions prior to your operation so you're clear on the process and what you will be responsible for during recovery.
Recovering after a brow lift
Most importantly, follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions explicitly. Every surgery and every patient are different, and your doctor will know best what to prescribe for optimal healing.
Here are some of the things you could possibly expect.
Elevation, ice compresses and a regimen of medications intended to reduce your pain and any swelling that may occur.
Many patients experience some numbness of the scalp. When your doctor approves light washing of the hair - typically after a 24 hour period - be gentle.
You may experience some bruising or slight vision blurriness if an ointment was used in the eyes during the procedure, but these problems are mild and temporary.
Avoid salty foods that will cause the body to retain water and aggravate swelling.
You will need to arrange follow-up visits to have your sutures removed and to allow your doctor to monitor your progress.
Remember, every patient's operation and healing process are unique. Don't expect too much too early. The final results can take weeks or months to fully develop.
Brow lifts are common cosmetic procedures that many people have found effective at reversing some signs of aging. Be diligent when speaking with your doctor; ask plenty of questions; and enter into the procedure with patience and reasonable expectations.
